Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Building the workforce of the future means developing the necessary skills and capabilities for AI adoption.

Join us online on August 12 as the Diversity Institute’s Dr. Wendy Cukier shares:

➡️ Practical approaches to AI implementation

➡️ Strategies for upskilling employees

➡️ Where to access supports and resources to strengthen competitiveness and growth

Hosted by the OCC’s Skills Bridge program in partnership with the Diversity Institute - Toronto Metropolitan University.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-an-ai-ready-workforce-practical-strategies-for-smes-tickets-1993839958990

Canada’s housing shortage has increased pressure to reduce barriers to residential construction.

A patchwork of requirements, uneven code adoption timelines, and restrictions on labour mobility across provincial lines, however, continue to increase costs, delay projects, and discourage firms from investing.

Delivering the homes we need calls for greater alignment on building requirements across provinces, a national framework for modular and factory-built housing, and universal standards for climate resilience.

Read our new report, Towards a Single Canadian Market: Findings from the One Canada Summit, to learn more: https://occ.ca/our-publications/towards-a-single-canadian-market-findings-from-the-one-canada-summit

Join us online on July 29 for Resources for Canadian Firms to Scale and Expand (at Home and Abroad).

As Canada faces ongoing trade and global market disruptions, businesses need tools and industry insights to adapt and stay competitive.

This webinar will introduce businesses to resources available from key government agencies and support organizations, including:

➡️ Global Affairs Canada–Trade Commissioner Service (GAC-TCS)

➡️ Export Development Canada (EDC)

➡️ Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/resources-for-canadian-firms-to-scale-and-expand-at-home-and-abroad-tickets-1993484021371

As geopolitical, trade, and economic pressures rise, Canada must move quickly to strengthen sovereignty, secure supply chains, and boost competitiveness.

With premiers and provincial and territorial chamber leaders gathering in Charlottetown this week, we have a critical opportunity to move from commitments to action.

Released earlier today, Chambers of the Federation: An Agenda for a More Competitive Canada offers practical recommendations for government to deliver long-term prosperity for our businesses, workers, and communities.

Together, we can address shared challenges and unlock opportunities that benefit all Canadians.

Download the agenda: https://occ.ca/our-publications/chambers-of-the-federation-an-agenda-for-a-more-competitive-canada

Learn more here: https://occ.ca/mediareleases/canadas-provincial-chambers-urge-premiers-to-maintain-momentum-on-internal-trade

As Canada’s premiers meet in Charlottetown, provincial and territorial chambers of commerce are calling on government to maintain momentum on the country’s economic priorities.

Ten provincial chambers today published a new joint business-led policy framework focused on strengthening competitiveness, advancing nation-building projects, and driving long-term economic growth.

Now in its second year, the framework reflects a collaborative effort to address shared business challenges across the country.

Provincial chamber leaders are also in Charlottetown this week to deliver the agenda and meet with premiers in person.

Read the full announcement: https://occ.ca/mediareleases/canadas-provincial-chambers-urge-premiers-to-maintain-momentum-on-internal-trade/

Download the framework: https://occ.ca/our-publications/chambers-of-the-federation-an-agenda-for-a-more-competitive-canada/

Today, the U.S. announced new 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1930, with the measures expected to come into force in 30 days. The decision marks a significant escalation in Canada-U.S. trade tensions and creates new uncertainty for businesses on both sides of the border.

As Ontario Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Daniel Tisch said:
“For Ontario and Canada, this moment calls for calm, resolve, patience and persistence. In the next 30 days and beyond, we must stand up for our businesses while pursuing a negotiated and durable resolution."

The OCC will continue advocating for policies that protect Ontario businesses while strengthening Canada's competitiveness at home.

Read the statement:

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Responds to U.S. Tariff Escalation | OCC (TORONTO – July 20, 2026) – Today, Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the United States’ decision to expand tariffs on Canadian imports under Section 338 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1930:

Is your business committed to building accessible and inclusive workplaces?

The 2026 Ontario Business Achievement Awards is looking to recognize organizations that are leading the way in accessibility through inclusive hiring practices, accessible work environments, effective accommodation processes, and a demonstrated commitment to removing barriers for employees of all abilities.

Learn more about the award criteria and nominate a business (or your own!) for this year’s here: https://occ.ca/obaa-nominations

Nomination fee: $250 + HST per nomination.

🚨 LAST CALL!

Join the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Diversity Institute - Toronto Metropolitan University on July 22 for a free one-hour webinar looking at what Canada needs to build its digital future, especially for small and medium enterprises.

In this session, Dr. Wendy Cukier will examine the contributions of immigrants to our economy with a focus on employer needs, entrepreneurship, and the implications for policy and practice.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-canadas-digital-future-ai-immigration-and-the-talent-advantage-tickets-1993141334385

For more than 40 years, the Ontario Business Achievement Awards have recognized business excellence across Ontario’s diverse economy.

In 2026, the OBAAs continue to spotlight the organizations and leaders demonstrating innovation, leadership and impact across all sectors and regions of Ontario in six award categories.

Learn more about the awards and submit a nomination today at https://occ.ca/obaa-nominations

Nomination fee: $250 + HST per nomination

Nominations close June 26, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

The 2026 Ontario Economic Summit returns to Toronto on November 18-19, bringing together leaders from business, government, academia and communities to discuss the forces shaping Ontario’s future.

Under the theme of Ontario Strong: Competing with Confidence, OES 2026 will explore how internal trade, global competition, AI and more are reshaping Ontario’s economic outlook and competitiveness. ‌

Register today to lock in early bird pricing to be part of the conversation about what comes next.

Early Bird Pricing

OCC Members: $1,249 + HST (Regular $1,449 + HST)
Non-Members: $1,549 + HST (Regular $1,749 + HST)

Learn more here https://occ.ca/events/2026oes/